A Day At Kelley's Island With My Sweetie #LakeErieLove

I just returned from a few lovely days from the Shores of Lake Erie. I can't wait to tell you about a simple adventure I took with my 5 year old and why this was the highlight of the trip.

Since I gave birth to Harper, Roo and I don't get a lot of one on one time. He is now 5, and I have missed him in many ways, despite the fact we spend most of our days together. On Monday night I whispered to Roo "Wanna go on an adventure with me?" He whispered back "And Harper?" I shook my head no and said "No, this is a special day for just you and me." Roo smiled and drifted off to sleep.

At noon my husband dropped us off in Sandusky and Roo and I strolled over to the Jet Express to get tickets for our adventure. We were headed to Kelley's Island, Ohio.

Photo Credit: Sara Lehman.

We had some time before our boat boarded, so we strolled around the area. We stumbled into a great shop featuring basically every old fashioned candy imaginable as well as a vast selection of soda. (I believe it is called Soda Pop's on W. Water Street.) This was a fun stop to make as we waited for our ferry. Roo got an apple juice and a few gummy candies to hold him over until lunch.

We made our way back to the ferry, and my little guy snacked happily on his sweets and a small bag of local chips. As he saw the boat approaching his eyes were wide with excitement. He said "Hold my hand Mommy!" and he bounced his way to the line to board. We climbed to the top deck and sat down, he slid closer to me and said again "Mommy! Hold My Hand!!!" He was excited and a touch nervous.

Photo Credit: Sara Lehman.

We enjoyed taking a few photos together and of the scenery. The ride wasn't too long, I didn't time it as I wanted to savor the moments with my growing son. I did hear that the boat can travel 34 mph, which is impressive!

Roo was quite impressed by the sight of Cedar Point from the water!

Photo Credit: Sara Lehman.

As we arrived my son was happy. We looked at the boats, we walked around town for a few minutes, scoping out restaurants. We held hands and happily walked around taking it all in. I asked him questions, he answered, we laughed. He very cutely told me that sometime he was going to have 20 babies of his own. I smiled. I said "What will you name all 20 babies?" He said "I don't know. I have to get 20 beds first Mom!"

We wandered into the Captains Corner. We weren't really hungry, but we knew we would be eventually. Roo opted for lemonade and we shared a basket of fries.

Photo Credit: Sara Lehman.

The conversation with my son, giving him the chance to make all the choices. My heart pinched me to savor every second, to let him eat junk food, to laugh with him and soak it all up. We rarely get the chance to do anything just the two of us these days.

Photo Credit: Sara Lehman.

We rode back after a walk around, we admired the view of the lake, the boats, the peaceful atmosphere, the feeling of community in such a lovely place in the world. I have been going to Kelley's Island since I was just a kid, my first trip was at the age of 14.  But, experiencing it with my son.... having a day alone. It made the experience new again.

Photo Credit: Sara Lehman.

After we arrived back in Sandusky, we sat on a bench and talked, looking at the boats and water. We walked around town, enjoyed a fountain and decided we had a great day.

Photo Credit: Sara Lehman.

If you are looking for a trip that takes you away to a slice of paradise, hidden in Ohio, I have to recommend that you get Jet Express tickets and exploring Kelley's Island. It is so much like being at the ocean, that you will forget you are in Ohio!

June is a lovely time to visit in my opinion. The temperatures were perfect (high 70s, low 80s) and going on a weekday gave us plenty of time to explore without the crowds I normally encounter on weekends. If you are looking for a great getaway in Ohio, #LakeErieLove the Lake Erie Shores and Islands make an exceptional option for families!

Thank you to my friends at Lake Erie Shores and Islands and Jet Express for hosting this day of #LakeErieLove with my son.

Double Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

 Double the Chocolate, Double the Delight: Easy Homemade Chocolate Chip Bars

Hey fellow dessert lovers! Are you craving something rich, chocolatey, and utterly irresistible? Look no further! Today, I'm sharing my go-to recipe for easy homemade double chocolate chip bars that are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. This recipe is great because it doesn't use any butter, making it budget-friendly!

These bars are the perfect combination of a fudgy, chocolatey base and an abundance of melty chocolate chips. They're quick to whip up, require minimal ingredients, and are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you're baking for a cozy night in, a potluck, or just because, these bars are a must-try.

Why You'll Love These Double Chocolate Chip Bars:

• Easy and Quick: No fuss, no complicated steps. You can have these bars ready in no time.
• Double Chocolate Goodness: A chocolate cookie base packed with even more chocolate chips. What's not to love?
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual snacking to special gatherings, these bars fit right in.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding nuts, different types of chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top.

Let's Get Baking!

Before we dive into the recipe, let's talk about a few tips to ensure your bars turn out perfectly:

• Don't Overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough bars. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Use Quality Chocolate: The better the chocolate, the better the taste!
• Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing for clean, even cuts.

Recipe: Easy Homemade Double Chocolate Chip Bars

Double Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Bake Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 16

Ingredients:

½ c shortening

⅓ c granulated sugar

½ c light brown sugar, packed

1 egg

½ tsp vanilla

¼ c cocoa powder

½ tsp baking soda

½ tsp baking powder

1 ⅓ c flour

1 c chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Line an 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper.

In a medium mixing bowl combine shortening, granulated sugar and brown sugar and mix until light and fluffy.

Add egg and vanilla and mix until combined.

Add cocoa powder, flour, baking soda and baking powder and mix until combined.

Add chocolate chips and stir.

Transfer the dough to your prepared baking dish.

Bake for 22-25 minutes, the top should be set, but you want the interior to be a little gooey.

Allow to cool completely before cutting.

After the cookie bars have cooled, lift the parchment paper from the dish and cut 4 times across, and 4 times the opposite way, to make 16 fudgy cookie bars.

Variations and Add-ins:

• Nuts: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a nutty crunch.
• Different Chocolate Chips: Try using white chocolate, peanut butter, or even dark chocolate chips for a unique twist.
• Sea Salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Espresso Powder: A teaspoon of espresso powder added to the batter deepens the chocolate flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

These double chocolate chip bars are delicious on their own, but here are a few ways to elevate your dessert experience:

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce.
• Enjoy with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee.

Final Thoughts:

These easy homemade double chocolate chip bars are a guaranteed hit! They're simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. So, grab your mixing bowls, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in some serious chocolatey goodness.

Don't forget to share your baking adventures with me! Tag me in your photos on social media and let me know how your bars turned out. Happy baking!

Find more tasty treat recipes here:

Homemade Rice Pudding

Instant Pot Banana Rice Pudding

Nilla Wafer Bark

Chocolate Espresso Cookies

Deepen Your Chocolate Fix with Espresso Cookies!

Calling all chocoholics and coffee lovers! This recipe for Chocolate Espresso Cookies is the perfect meeting of your two favorite indulgences. The rich, dark chocolate pairs beautifully with the subtle kick of espresso, creating a delightful flavor combination that's both sophisticated and satisfying.

These cookies are easy to whip up, requiring just a few bowls and common pantry staples. They're chewy on the inside and crisp on the outside, offering a textural contrast that's impossible to resist. Plus, with a touch of espresso powder in the dough, these cookies will give you a little afternoon pick-me-up alongside that decadent chocolate flavor.

Here's what you'll need:

1 cup of melted butter

½ cup of dark cocoa powder

1 cup of granulated sugar

2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup

1 egg

1 teaspoon of vanilla

1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder

1 ½ cup of all purpose flour

1 teaspoons of baking soda

A pinch of salt

For rolling:

½ c sugar and 1 teaspoon of espresso powder 

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Add cocoa and maple syrup to melted butter. 

Mix until well blended.

Add 1 cup of sugar, vanilla, and egg to the mixing bowl, and beat for 1 minute.

Add flour, baking soda , espresso powder and salt. 

Stir until all ingredients are well blended.

Using a cookie scoop, form balls of dough.

Drop them one at a time into the espresso and sugar mix. 

Roll each ball around until completely coated with sugar.

Place the dough balls 3” apart on the prepared cookie sheet and bake for 11 minutes.

Allow to cool for 5 minutes before removing from the cookie sheet.

Tips for Success:

• Don't overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Once the dry ingredients are incorporated, stop mixing.
• Chill the dough (optional): Chilling the dough for 30 minutes to an hour can help the cookies spread less and create chewier centers.
• Play with the chocolate: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark, milk, or white chocolate chips, or even chopped nuts.

The reward? A batch of irresistible Chocolate Espresso Cookies that are perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea, sharing with friends, or indulging in all by yourself.

So preheat your oven, grab your ingredients, and get ready to bake a batch of these delicious cookies. They're sure to become a new favorite treat!

I know you will agree the chocolate and espresso flavors blend perfectly together to make a great snack!

The beauty of these cookies lies in their simplicity. You won't need any fancy ingredients, and the process is quick and straightforward.

But don't be fooled by their ease – the espresso powder adds a surprising depth of flavor that will have you reaching for another (and another).

You can find more favorite cookie recipes here:

Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

Golden Graham Cookies

Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies

 

Brown Sugar Sugar Cookies

Peanut Butter Cake Mix Cookies

Summer Home Bar Guide

Summer is here, and there is no better time to kick back and sip something wonderful! Here are a few of my favorites for your home bar. I know you are going to want to lift your glass and say cheers to all of these summer home bar must haves! 

This year has been interesting to say the least. We are now 4 months into the pandemic. I have been wondering... Who ordered 2020 from wish?

It seems that every day is the same, except one thing that changes. It just keeps getting hotter outside! Cocktail hour is the only thing getting me by, so let's check out some of my favorite products of the summer for the home bar.

Samples have been provided, and affiliate links may be used below.

Papo J Lambanog's Vodka is a must have for any home bar, this vodka is made with the nectar of coconut flowers to create a smooth, decadent, distinctly south pacific vibe.  Mix it in a margarita, or add it to cold brew coffee for a an afternoon pick me up. Order online or locate a store on the Papo J's website for about $29.

Summer is the time to take the drinks outside, but who wants to break a great glass? Halo Vino has you covered with these durable little glasses that unbreakable, stack-able, and dishwasher safe. They even float, so if you want to drink a bottle of wine while floating the day away, like I do, you can. Oder online starting at $13 a 6 pack.

Spark by The Hemp Division is a must have for your home bar this summer. It is like a great seltzer with a hefty dose of cbd. Add it to a vodka soda, or just sip it ice cold to take the edge off.I love the Orange Mango flavor! Order a 12 pack for $40 online.

This is the summer of the spiked seltzers for good reason; they are fantastic! Mighty Swell Spiked Seltzer has some amazing flavors that hit the spot on a hit day. I love that they are so much lighter than other cocktail options. I am crazy about  the cherry lime variety. It is so good! Find your favorite spiked spritzer and where to order online.

Cocktail 2 Go Kits let you take all of the essentials for a great crafted cocktail with you in a convenient tin. All you need to add is the booze and ice. Take these in the air, or to the hotel, or keep a few in your home bar for a perfectly mixed cocktail anytime. Shop their impressive line of kits online starting at about $15.

We might not be able to travel to all of the awesome places we wanted this summer, so instead of pining away for Mexico, why not bring the flavors of a great Michelada to your  home with these convenient bottles by Thirsty Bartender .Add the rimming salt to your cart too for an easy and super authentic flavor.

Every home bar needs excellent glasses, so why not order some of these uber unique ones from Well Told and show your patriotic side? The Constitution Rocks glasses start at $14.50.

Take the guesswork out of finding great wine with a subscription from The Wine Insider Club. Single bottles are available for purchase starting at $10 a bottle, or you can get a 12 bottle assortment shipped to your door every 12 weeks for about $90.

On the hottest of days, there are few things that are better than an ice cold craft beer. With a subscription to the Craft Beer Club, you can try excellent new varieties, selected by people who know fine beer. For about $43 you can get a 12 pack shipped to your door that includes 3 bottles of 4 varieties. This is an excellent way to keep the party going all summer long without needing to hit the store yourself!

Mixed drinks seem so much fancier at home with some great rimming sugar or salt. Find a great assortment of options like Zesty Orange Sugar and Bloody Mary Salt Rimmers from Creative Mixology starting at about $15 for all of your at home drink mixing.

A great set of Whisky Stones is a must have for those who don't want to dilute their drink with ice. Get a great set from the Irish Whisky Company starting at about $25 for a set of 8.

Festive Cranberry Cocktail Recipes

 The holiday season is near, and if you are gathering with friends to exchange gifts, or hosting a party, you are going to want to pin this list of festive cranberry cocktails for later. This list has some of the best options to help you ring in the holidays in style.

If you have been visiting me for a while, you know I love a good cocktail. This year I would love to include more cranberries into my happy hour, so I started visiting with some of my favorite bloggers to find the best recipes. I know you will find a few items you love on this list.

Cranberry Sage Cocktail by Salted Plains

Perfect Cranberry Cosmo by xoxo Bella

Cranberry Sangria by Flavor the Moments

Blushin Russian by The Good Hearted Woman

Frozen Cranberry Mimosa by Stephanie’s Way

Winter White Cosmos by Aleka’s Get Together

Cranberry Pear Mimosas by Entirely Elizabeth

Sorcerer's Stone Cocktail by Cooking with Curls

Cranberry Orange Margarita by Emily Fabulous

Cranberry Orange Daiquiris by Small Town Woman

Cranberry Moscow Mules by Our Crafty Cocktails

Mezcal Cranberry Cocktails by Gastronom Blog

Sparkling Cranberry Champagne Cocktails by Homebody Eats

Blackberry Cranberry Moscow Mules by The Forked Spoon

Cranberry Margaritas by A Splash of Taste

Don't these drinks sound perfect for the holiday season? Which would you like to make first? Don't forget to click over to view the full recipes and save them to your cocktail board.

While you are here you can find some of my favorite drink recipes here:

Wild Blueberry Gin Fizzers

Boozy Freezer Pops

Cherry Orange Soda Syrup